At the last Guingamp game, the Ruthénoises secured three precious points (1-2) this Sunday afternoon during the 18th round of the Second League. Fortunately for them, at the same time, the first candidate for relegation, Metz, also won. Remaining non-relegatable, the Rafettes maintain a two-point lead over the relegation zone.
The observation round was short-lived. Physically and tactically, the red and black of Jérôme Mounier were quickly dominated by the black and gold. More aggressive in duels, more incisive in attack, the Ruthénoises scored in the 18th minute. A turnover in the central circle allowed them to counter quickly with a cross from captain Sophie Vaysse to a header from Hélèna Theriez at the far post, assisted by the crossbar (0-1, 18th). Guingamp tried to respond through Romane Colin whose curled shot from 30 meters also hit the crossbar. But from a corner earned by the opposing defense, Rodez made it two. Roumira Cayrol’s deflection destabilized the entire defense and Caroline Devant, present in the box, only had to push the ball in (0-2, 37th). Just before the break, Damondo took a long shot but Rodez’s goalkeeper, Déborah Garcia, who was decisive throughout the match, remained vigilant. She was an indispensable barrier to Aveyron’s success.
In the second half, Rodez multiplied its inaccuracies. Coach Karima Taieb bluntly stated: “In the second half, we were less structured, less present, with less communication. Two different teams in the two halves.” En Avant took advantage of this to become more dangerous and create several chances. And at the hour mark, hope was reignited for the home team. After a shot from the captain was blocked, Damondo, the winger, followed up to score a goal (1-2, 59th).
Until the end, Rodez could have added to the score with Sonia Roumiga causing trouble for the Guingamp defense. But mistakes in the final move kept the score unchanged. A crucial victory for the Aveyronnaises, who remain non-relegatable, keeping them ahead of Metz, who also won on Sunday against Le Mans (3-0). Next up: welcoming the leaders, Toulouse, on April 25.
